Importance of Sunlight

By: G Avinash Rishi

Sunlight gives us many health benefits and it is the source of all energy. It has hidden benefits that prove it is a lot more beneficial than any other source. But today, due to lack of time and proper planning, many people in cities are rarely taking the sunlight. Today we have replaced sunlight with electric bulbs, but electric bulbs cannot replace many of the benefits that come with sunlight.

Along with sunlight, proper ventilation is also very important. If you don’t have proper ventilation, it becomes harder to breathe and increases the danger to health, it will also restrict the sunlight from entering into the living space. Therefore, natural light of the sun and ventilation is beneficial for our well-being. Read on the benefits of letting the sunshine in.

1. Synthesis of vitamin-D:

Under the action of the sunlight, the skin synthesizes vitamin D, which makes possible calcium absorption in the intestine, helping the organism grow strong bones. This way the sun prevents rickets in both children and adults, and osteoporosis in elders.

2. Acts as disinfectant:

Sunlight acts as a disinfectant. It kills microbes. That’s why it is important to put out the carpets, blankets and eiderdowns in sun that cannot be washed regularly.

3. Builds the immune system:

The white blood cells, which increase with sun exposure, are called lymphocytes, and these play a major role in defending the body against infections.

4.Increases melatonin levels:

Daytime exposure to sunlight increases the melatonin production during the night. This hormone helps regulate the sleep and slowing down the aging process.

5. Control skin diseases:

Exposure to the sun gives skin a bright, healthy look and increased elasticity. A moderately tanned skin is more resistant to infections and sun burning than an untanned one. Many skin diseases (dermatitis) can be controlled and even cured through controlled exposure to the sun.

6. Cures depression:

Sunlight helps in cases of chronic or acute depression, by stimulating the synthesis of endorphins (good-feeling hormones). That’s why we get depressed in the cold and dark days of the winter.

7. Prevents cancer:

As vitamin D and some related compounds prevent the development of some cancer cells, we can say the sun fights off this disease. Regular and controlled exposure to the sun has a preventive effect against cancer of colon, breast, leukemia and lymphomas.

8. Lowers cholesterol:

Exposure to the sun lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood and blood circulation is improved, the pulse, arterial pressure, moderately high glycemia and cholesterol levels can be normalized.

9. Improves liver functioning:

Sun rays improve liver functioning, being effective in treating jaundice.

10. Increases oxygen content in human blood:

Sunlight enhances the body’s capacity to deliver oxygen to the tissues; very similar to the effects of exercise. The sun has a great effect on stamina, fitness and muscular development.

11. Beneficial for Alzheimer patients:

Exposure to one hour of bright sunlight in the morning or afternoon can help increase sleep efficiency and decreasing night time wakefulness.

12. Increases the growth and height of children:

The amount of sun exposure in the first few months of a baby has an effect on how tall the person grows.

13. Weight loss:

The sun also helps losing weight by increasing the metabolic rate through the stimulation of the thyroid. It also eases symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.